AN: Sry it took so long to update. Life is crazy. Well here is the next chapter. Suggestions for this story are always welcome so pls drop a line. Anyways, on to the good stuff. No, I do not own Naruto, if I did…oh man…well nobody would read it anymore lol! Enjoy!

Rage

"Because…I love you…" When her heart's confession was uttered on weak lips, Hinata's body went limp in the arms of her blonde hero…

Naruto felt like he had been struck with the force of a sledgehammer. No one could have possibly known those four words' effect. She…loved…me? The shocked stupor that encased him left him numb to everything else around him. The mere idea that someone else loved him was a foreign notion. That someone adored him even after getting to know him and the plethora of ridiculous quirks. It was astounding to say the least. Why would someone so kindhearted and meek ever find him desirable? He was always under the impression that he was destined to be an outcast. But no, by some strange and utterly mysterious reason, it turned out that there indeed was someone who seemed to be made just for him. And now…now she was gone. Naruto had to resist the urge to vomit. This was beyond cruel. He had just begun to see the pure love that was directed towards him and in an ironic twist his angel was snatched away in the vicious jaws of circumstance.

Unshed tears of loss built in his eyes as he gently cradled the girl next to his chest.

"I'm sorry…I'm…so…so …sorry,"

Flashback:

"Sasuke! Where the heck are you?" Naruto called irritably as he swam through the foreign city of the merpeople. That jerk, he's doing this on purpose! Wait till I get my hands on him! Just cus he has to get married to some psycho chick doesn't mean he has to take it out on me! Naruto continued to grumble under his breath searching in vain for his best friend/charge. It wasn't the fact that Sasuke couldn't take care of himself and Naruto knew that full well from their personal bouts but it would not go well with the rest of the Uchiha family if they knew that he had let their son ditch this very important date because he had accidentally been entranced with new ninja merchandise being sold in this city. Besides, any reprimands would not aid him in any way of reaching his goal in becoming Hokage. But man, Sasuke wasn't making his life any easier!

"Help! Somebody quick! Please help me!" Naruto was snapped from his thoughts by the soft and distinctly feminine screams. Someone needed help. He was so on it. He wasn't Naruto Uzamaki for nothing. He quickly rushed to the scene and was pleasantly surprised.

She was a female alright. Naruto couldn't help but give the mermaid in front of him a once over. Normally, he was very wary of merpeople due to his life as a ninja. The merpeople that he had encountered had all regarded him with a certain level of hostility. But this girl…her countenance was devoid of any kind of prejudice or hate. She was certainly different, and to her credit the most beautiful girl Naruto had ever seen regardless of her place as a mermaid. She had an exotic quality to her. Long violet tresses flowed freely about her. Milky skin and a perfect hourglass frame would make her desirable to any male. But it was her light lavender eyes that really struck him. He had never seen eyes like hers. He supposed that was what made her seem so exotic and rare even among her own people. He was smitten.

Apparently, his intense gaze was not lost on the shy mermaid. She had noticed his slow and approving gaze and nearly fainted. She could've sworn she was blushing all the way to the tips of her fins. How embarrassing! But then again, no one had looked at her like that before. Most of the opposite sex had been opposed to her rare eyes and so suitors had not been plentiful. But this one, this naga, was looking at her in appreciative fascination, like she was some precious artwork that was being viewed for the first time. It was quite embarrassing indeed! However, there were other reasons for her red hued cheeks.

The male in front of her was quite pleasing to the eye. Blonde hair as bright as the summer sun covered his hair in messy spikes. Eyes as deep and as blue as the ocean gazed at her in wonder. Those eyes, they were so deep, no doubt holding secrets of various kinds, perhaps from battle but something told Hinata that there was something else that gave those eyes so much depth. A firm jaw and angular features displayed his maturity. Unconsciously, the girl's own pale orbs roamed slowly down over his sun kissed skin and over the lean muscle that proudly displayed his hard work. And then lower still to the bright burnt orange serpentine tail that was so unique to his race. It was swaying slightly with the ocean's currents so she was able to see the black diamond pattern that ran down along the back showcasing the same barbs as the mysterious raven haired naga before him. However, the sudden sight of his tail caused realization to hit and Hinata jerked her head upright as if shocked. Sure enough he wore the same ninja forehead protector as the other naga obviously meaning that the two were associated. She could be in very real danger herself. But if that was the case, then why hadn't he made a threatening gesture or something along those lines? But no, he had made no movements in that direction.

"Are, are you alright?" Naruto's unusually soft tone made Hinata shudder in anxiety and secret excitement.

"Y…yes…I mean n…no! The princess, I, she was kidnapped!" She exclaimed in high pitched terror. The blonde naga's brow furrowed in determination. Alright, a chance to prove himself.

"What did he look like?" Nervous and hesitant, Hinata rose a pleading gaze which unknowingly melted the loudmouth ninja's heart.

"H…he was…l…like you…he w…was a n…n…naga but with black hair and had a ninja headband like you. Naruto thought for a moment. But the only person that met that description was…

"Sasuke!" Hinata was startled by the sudden outburst. But when she saw the foxy grin adorning his features she found herself relaxing.

"Aww don't worry about him, he's a little temperamental but he wouldn't do anything too stupid. I mean he probably just wants to get to know the princess, since they are going to be betrothed and all.

"Be…betrothed!" Hinata whispered in disbelief. Naruto quirked a brow.

"You mean, she doesn't know about Sasuke? And you didn't tell him she was the princess." A slight shake of the head was his answer. Immediately Naruto burst into a fit of laughter. Hinata merely remained confused.

"Well isn't that funny…" Naruto commented as he regained his composure. Seeing the hilarity in the situation, Hinata smiled genuinely and Naruto was now the one blushing like a lovesick idiot. Not one to let an opportunity slip, Naruto swam forward a little while scratching the back of his head restlessly.

"So…my name's Naruto." The pretty pink blush rushed back to her cheeks and Naruto felt a weird sort of pride at being the one who put it there. Hesitantly, she extended one of her hands outward toward him.

"My name is…Hinata…"

End Flashback: Eyes flashed opened wide revealing crimson orbs. The sleeping warrior had finally awoken and had gracefully pushed the current personality to a sleeping state. It wasn't hard. The teen was in shock from the past few moments. The forgotten memory had been the catalyst that allowed him to rise to control. The happy go lucky part of him was a good fighter. But this fight was now his. There hath no wrath like a mate scorned. True, they had not yet become mates. But the love that the two had shared had outmatched many of the already mated couples around them. Hinata had fallen to this monster protecting him, and not it was time for revenge.

A fiery flaming aura sprang up around him as he gently laid the girl on the forest floor with the utmost of care. The true Naruto welcomed the overwhelming power that was natural to him. For so long, while sleeping dormant, the other spellbound part of him had had to rely on basic skills, never knowing of the awesome power that was at his disposal. But maybe, that was a good thing, because without the proper control, there was no way that an ordinary human could wield the raw force of power that was forever part of him. You see, he was not the only Uzamaki in existence. Oh, there was an actual clan or line of Uzamakis that was as ancient as the Uchiha line that they protected. The Uzamakis were known for their bloodline trait of enormous amounts of chakra, and strength. From their line the first naga hokage had been named. That tradition had reoccurred once more…with his father. Yes, the fourth and present hokage was his father. His father was an incredible being and ever since Naruto had been young, it had been his dream to surpass his father and become the greatest hokage who ever lived. The only reason that the Uzamaki line did not reign was the sheer fact that the Uchiha line was stronger due to their bloodline ability. Nevertheless, the two families were very close and so was part of the reason that Naruto had been given the opportunity to guard Sasuke.

Now that power that was so inherent to him was nearly bursting. The hot intensity of it was even causing the ice to melt slightly. From several feet away, Haku could only watch in horror as the blonde stood to his full height. Every single injury that Naruto had sustained through the fight, hissed and with steam sealed shut with perfect accuracy, rendering all of Haku's attacks nullified. Haku stepped back in horror as he watched fingernails shift into claws and when teeth were bared gleaming white fangs met his site. It was lucky that the curse seal was strong enough to bar him from shifting into his full naga form. A sickening pop was heard as Naruto slowly cracked his knuckles. Gone was the happy go lucky loud mouthed ninja. This was a true avenger and he was seeking retribution in the form of blood.

"You. Die. Now." Haku didn't even have a chance to defend himself as the red blur of rage shot at him like a bullet.

He's too fast. I can barely see his movements. Haku could only watch as a flame encased fist met with his face with resounding force causing him to go flying. Taking advantage of the situation, Haku flipped in the air and used a nearby tree as a springboard so that he could launch a counterattack against this raw force. Quickly, he threw a barrage of needles aiming at all of Naruto's critical arteries. I have to kill him quickly, or it will be me who falls to him. I have never felt such intense murderous intent. Haku knew then in the next moment that he along with his plans was finished when the simple flaring of his aura sent the needles falling limply to the ground. However, in his rage Naruto caught one of the needles and threw it back at a deadly speed. Haku's whole left arm went limp when the needle he had just thrown impaled him perfectly in the shoulder severing the nerves. Haku fell like a heavy rock unable to right himself under the intense pain. It felt like he had just been struck by a mountain.

Despite the immense throbbing Haku knew better than to remain still for more than a couple of seconds. This simple line of thought saved his life. For right when he leapt out of the way. Naruto's fist impacted with the earth directly in his previous position. The attack would have crushed his bones and organs entirely judging by the size of the crater that was now left behind.

I have to escape! He will surely kill me if I don't. Zabuza, I'm sorry…I couldn't avenge your death. In a desperate attempt Haku sprinted with all of his remaining speed and tried to make it back to the house of ice mirrors that Naruto had just thrown him from. He had thought that he had reached his frigid safe haven when he was partially absorbed into the closest mirror. But suddenly t the last moment he was wrenched back out unmercifully by his ankle only to be swung into the next mirror face first into the mirror nearby by that same ankle. The speed and sheer force only served for Haku's body to smash the mirror, the tiny ice shards cutting into his skin. Naruto had let go of his ankle and watched as Haku's body skidded along the ground.

Rolling onto his back, Haku tried to stand but came to the horrible realization that his entire leg had been popped out of the socket. With his arm and leg disabled there was no way that he could escape or move. He could only watch as his end came to meet him. Apparently, not even the brutal physical beating had quelled the blonde's anger. Heck, he hadn't even broken a sweat. Haku watched in morbid fascination how with one massive flare of his powerful aura, all of his nearly indestructible ice mirrors shattered into tiny pieces falling like a beautiful crystallized rain to the earth.

As he grew nearer, Haku could hear the perpetual low growling that was being emanated from the orange and black clad figure. There's…there's no way that this guy can even be human!

Naruto's steps were sure and steady. He was in no rush to end this. While he hated unnecessary violence, Naruto found this to be absolutely mandatory. Hinata's killer would pay for his crimes in blood. Slowly, he came to a halt in front of Haku. Mercilessly, he picked him up by the throat, his razor sharp claws eliciting tiny rivers of blood from where they slightly pierced the skin. Raising him to eye level the volume of Naruto's growls rose minutely. With his other free hand, he used it to slowly constrict around the mask until shattered into several pieces falling like rain to the soft wet ground of the marsh.

Naruto almost flinched in surprise at seeing the gentle femininity that the boy's face possessed. The key word being almost. Gripping tighter, Haku didn't even bother gasping for breath when the blonde whispered, "Die…"

Poorly concealed heavy pants floated into the air as Sasuke desperately sprinted through the twilight forest. The woods were thick and Sasuke had serious worries if he even would be able to find Sakura and the others in time. Sakura…please…you've got to hang on a little longer…But despite his doubts of hope, he had to be thankful for this chance to help her. He would actually have to thank the dobe if they survived this. Despite how foolish the blonde acted, he always had his back and was willing to do whatever it took to help him out. Naruto's chivalrous behavior often made him to feel self-lacking. But he couldn't dwell on that now. Sakura was in danger and she needed him.

If it wasn't for the faint pulse of Sakura's familiar chakra, Sasuke would have never been able to discover her location through the dense foliage. The leaves covered the ground like a blanket, making it impossible for Sasuke to travel on the ground if he wished to remain undetected. Skyscraping oaks covered in vines littered the forest. Under any normal circumstances, the area would be enchanting with the random butterflies and the way the light would filter in through the trees. About fifty more yards led him past a small clear pond and a quaint trickling waterfall. Finally, the endless maze of trees ended in a small clearing, but before him was what appeared to be the ruins of a stone fortress long forgotten and covered in vines, the only ceiling was the sky itself.

Touching down softly, he could hear no sounds of a battle. There was no clinking of metal as weapons clashed. There was no feel of large amounts of chakra being emitted. It was quiet, except for some muffled sounds that were coming from deeper inside of the fortress. Part of him naturally wanted to rush in and assess the situation with throwing fists and jutsus. No…that would be something Naruto would do. He was the smart one and he would act like the intelligent ninja that he was despite his raging emotions. Slowly, he crept around the corner and was surprised to find that he was actually up on a high ledge and that the fortress actually dropped down into a much deeper level, all the while retaining the leaves and vines that permeated the area.

The sight that greeted him next was something he was sure that he thought was never possible. The whole area was trashed from a recent battle. Craters and blood were randomly scattered about the clearing. But now, as rain started to pour from the twilight sky, he was shocked with yet another gruesome sight. There, among some smashed rocks, lying in his own blood unconscious was Neji. The young knight was covered in cuts and there was a large gaping wound in his side. Quickly, despite his dislike, Sasuke rushed to his rival's side. A slow rise and fall of his chest alerted the Uchiha that the Hyuuga was indeed still alive. What happened here? Who could possibly have the power to do this? Sasuke was not an idiot by any means. Neji had reeked of a powerful aura and the way he made Naruto look like a complete dunce took some amount of skill. So who did this, and where had they gone?

"Sas…suke…." The throaty groan of someone clearly in pain caused the boy's head to snap in the other direction. There, before a stone doorway, was his sensei lying helplessly on the ground in his true form. The man did not appear to be too injured, but for some reason, it looked like it took him a great amount of energy to move the slightest bit. The more disturbing fact was that his sharingan eye was visible. He could understand Neji, but Kakashi. He had seen him fight, and knew for a fact that he was an elite ninja. What kind of opponents were they up against. With the speed gifted to him, he raced to his guardian's side.

"Kakashi…who…who did this to you?" The teenager's voice was full of panic. The older naga merely wheezed and turned panicked eyes up the hill and through the stone doorway

"I'll be fine. Sakura…she…danger…" The two nagas locked eyes before Sasuke's whole countenance changed. Sakura! That's right! How could he possibly forget for even a second! She was the target! Without a further thought, Sasuke raced through the stone hallway and into the final clearing. The clearing was circular and was enclosed from the outside by trees. But Sasuke could see none of that.

His gaze had gone crimson while he froze. Sakura's body was bruised and beaten, yet she struggled as an unknown stranger ripped at her clothes mercilessly in a disgusting attempt to take advantage of her weakened state. Her faint cries for help fell on deaf and uncaring ears as the slime continued to rip at her shirt. Her skirt had been hiked up and it would only be a few more minutes until she had no fight left in her. Still, she fought with the meager amount of energy she had left to throw the disgusting human male off of her in vain. He was a lackey, by the looks of him and was clearly out for some fleeting pleasure without the knowledge of his superior.

"Please…stop it…I'm begging you." She cried writhing to get out from underneath him. A vicious backhand to her cheek made her head smack in the muddy ground while the rain continued to pour down around them.

"Shut up you stupid wench and let me have what I deserve." The thug was about to undo her top completely when he was ripped off the female and flung with the greatest force into a tree. Unfortunately, for the thug, the powerful blow did not knock him out. Groaning, he scrambled to his knees and tried to regain his footing. The sight that he met however, made him want to wish that he pretended like he was dead.

A whirlwind of fierce raw violet chakra surrounded the teen making the dust and stray stones rise up and fly about him. But through it, the lackey could clearly make out the bloody crimson orbs and the swirling tomoes with murderous intent. In morbid fascination, he watched as long deadly razor sharp claws unsheathed from where normal fingernails used to be. But the most eerie thing of all was the low feral growl that was rumbling from out from behind sharp fangs.

"Now, you will get what you deserve…for ever daring to touch what is mine." Yes, it was now the true Sasuke who had emerged. At the sight of his beloved about to be raped by some human scum, he had lost it. He had raged against the confines of his prison in his own mind. Let. Me. Out. Now! It was all the present Sasuke could do to hold him at bay. But at the same time, he wasn't arguing. "As long as I'm in on this too," was the only condition, and the inner was agreed wholeheartedly. The walls were dropped and unknowingly the curse seal pulsed as a part of it faded, releasing the inner. Inner Sasuke had no qualms with his claws and fangs and were ready to use them to tear this trash apart.

Scared, the lackey tried to run out of the clearing. He had been warned not to linger or touch the mermaid prince in case of the naga prince. But no, he had been selfish, and now this monster looked as if he wanted nothing more than to rip his claws through his flesh. He didn't know how right he actually was.

He wasn't two feet from where he was when an iron grip was placed on both of his arms. The lackey known as Zaku looked over his shoulder to see a countenance full of rage and anger; the naga's fangs were bared.

"Your filthy disgusting hands dared to touch her. I should relieve you of them." Sasuke sneered knocking Zaku to his knees. With a sickening pop he pulled on one arm slowly until it popped from out of the socket. He was about to start on the other one, Zakus's screams sending birds flying, when his savior came in the form of the one who was his victim.

"Sasuke…" Suddenly, the overbearing aura of chakra died down and Sasuke released the petrified human. Immediately, Zaku scrambled in the mud trying feebly to stand. Sasuke scowled in disgust.

"Get out of my sight. Tell Orochimaru that the next time I see him I intend to kill him." Zaku nodded quickly and scampered off tripping every so often. Sasuke watched his every movement until the slime had vacated the clearing.

"Sasuke." There it was again. Her voice. Not it was Sasuke's turn to freeze. With the release of his inner self, he had also retained his fangs and claws, although the sharingan deactivated with the threat gone. What would she think of him? He didn't know if her inner had been released or not. If not, would she be frightened of him. His heart clenched at the thought. He couldn't bear it if she turned away from him like supposedly he had from her. But at the same time he desperately wanted to go to her. She was injured and needed his attention. His inhuman instincts were demanding it of him. What could he do?

There was never a question.

Slowly, he turned around and walked to her side. Her body was covered in scratches and mud. Bruises covered her arms and legs. Her clothes were torn.

To Sasuke, she had never looked more beautiful. Simply because…she was safe.

Dropping to his knees, he lifted her head and gently caressed her cheek. How long had he been trapped and hadn't been able to do a simple thing as touch her? How long had he been forced to watch his mate to be from afar? How long had she had to endure his other's icy demeanor when all he wanted to do was to hold her possessively close? How long he had wanted to tell her he loved her…and now she belonged to someone else. Fate was cruel indeed. But now, in this moment, just for this one moment, he just wanted to hold her like she was his. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around her seemingly unconscious body.

"Sakura…I'm so…so…so sorry…for everything…" He whispered a single tear sliding down his cheek. Suddenly, she stirred and Sasuke clenched his fists trying to conceal his claws. Despite her weariness, she lifted heavy lids, and Sasuke saw a wise comprehension in them even as they shined with unshed tears. With all of her remaining strength, she uncurled his fist even as he gazed at her in confusion. Lifting his hand until it was in both lines of sight, she kissed his knuckles keeping complete eye contact with him. Her other hand reached down to her shirt and slowly she pulled out the necklace with his fang.

"I know my love…I know…" Sasuke's eyes widened in shock. It was her, the real Sakura. But he happily forgot it as she reached to offer him her lips. He needed no other invitation. Passionately, he swooped down and captured her lips in a searing kiss…

Oh man!!!! The story just took another twist! What about poor Neji! And Naruto and Hinata! Alright major sasusaku fluff up next! But if you're a nejisaku fan please let me know in a review. Will update as soon as possible. Reviews give me more motivation though! Please review!